Silky curves, streamlined tails and rocket motifs sold the notion of cars taking journeys to the future.

Symbols of speed, agility and aggression advertised what was under the hood. Sleek styling and ornamentation offered distinctive personality – and form always trumped function if it looked good.

There’s a nostalgic pull towards vehicles like these. The open road with the wind in your hair is all very well……but there are no airbags or power-steering and you can forget sat-nav and the million-and-one other improvements that come as standard on modern vehicle.

Not to mention their dire fuel economy. Think about it. Would you really like a gas guzzler that does only 6-7 mpg? You would? Me too, though in another half century these vehicles may come to symbolize a shallow, destructive culture – if they don’t already.

The LeMay museum is a pistonhead’s dream and even if you don’t count yourself as one of those there’s plenty to absorb.

The history of the car is part of all our lives and with 350 examples on display the context of their evolution is brilliantly told.